Sharpie Art Workshop: Techniques and Ideas for Transforming Your World

Graphic designer Goodman (40 Days of Dating: An Experiment) provides a diverse repertoire of ideas for creative use of the Sharpie permanent marker, from the humble doodle to an intricate wall mural. In 2010, after he was commissioned by the Ace Hotel in New York City to create a mural using a Sharpie inside one of its rooms, he abandoned his more traditional, brand-centered work. He discovered that the versatile Sharpie, with 49 colors and several tip sizes, has broad crossover appeal within myriad “genres, cultures, backgrounds, ages, and beliefs.” Prose, poetry, patterns, and design embellishment are just some of the elements suggested for such Sharpie-friendly surfaces as sneakers, plates, vases, skateboards, frames, Post-it Notes, envelopes, gift wrap, and cards. Goodman profiles 14 accomplished artists working in the medium, providing their commentary, artwork, and website links. He includes the Sharpie’s history—it was invented in 1964—and cites this fun fact: Sharpie is the favored writing instrument of astronauts because it is highly suitable for zero gravity. Slim and unique, this “catalog of inspiration” enthusiastically celebrates the mighty marker. Illus. (July)